Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Introduction
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are a cozy and charming treat perfect for chilly days. These hand-sized pies feature a spiced fruit filling wrapped in flaky pie dough, offering a warm, comforting bite every time.
Ingredients
- Pie dough (enough for individual-sized pies)
- Spiced fruit filling (such as apple, pear, or mixed berry, well-seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- Sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into mitten-shaped pieces, pairing two for each pie (front and back).
- Step 2: Spoon a generous amount of the spiced fruit filling onto one mitten-shaped piece, leaving edges clear for sealing.
- Step 3: Place the matching dough piece on top of the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal, crimping if desired.
- Step 4: Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each pie for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and flaky.
- Step 6: Let the pies cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of fresh or dried fruits to customize the filling to your taste.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Experiment with different spices such as cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
- Brush the top of the pies with an egg wash before baking for a shiny finish.
Storage
Store leftover mitten pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven to maintain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pie dough works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it is thawed properly before shaping and filling.
What types of fruit work best in spiced filling?
Apples, pears, cranberries, blueberries, and mixed berries all work well. Choose firmer fruits for better texture and balance with sweetness and spice.
PrintWinter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe
Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are delightful hand-held pastries featuring a flaky pie dough filled with a warm, spiced fruit filling. Perfect for cozy winter days, these pies blend comforting flavors with a festive mitten shape, making them both delicious and charming treats.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 small mitten pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Spiced Fruit Filling
- 3 cups mixed fruit (such as apples, pears, or berries), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Finishing
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Spiced Fruit Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped fruit, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the fruit evenly. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Roll Out Dough and Shape: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template, cut out shapes from the dough. Repeat with the second dough disk.
- Fill and Assemble Pies: Place a tablespoon of the spiced fruit filling onto the center of half of the dough mittens, leaving a border around the edges. Brush the edges with beaten egg wash. Top with the remaining dough mittens and press the edges to seal, using a fork to crimp. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake the Pies: Transfer the pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove pies from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a cozy winter treat.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet fruits for the best flavor balance.
- For a glossy finish, an egg wash is recommended before baking.
- These pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding extra baking time.
- Ensure the fruit filling is not too wet to prevent soggy crusts.
Keywords: Winter pies, hand pie, spiced fruit pie, mitten shaped pies, holiday dessert
